2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 895 kg more than 2004 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
